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A review by babblingandbooks
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thanks so much to Netgalley and Penguin for sending me an ARC of this book and thank you to A. B. Poranek for absolutely DESTROYING me emotionally.
I haven't felt this way about a book in such a long time. Despite its premise reminding me of quite a few other stories I have read (and enjoyed), Poranek succeeds in making it feel new and fresh and unique.
I know that some readers struggle to connect with a culture that isn't their own; constantly Googling words and phrases can be laborious to some. I however absolutely adored learning Polish phrases and customs and feelings the author's clear adoration for her heritage throughout the book.
The cast of characters is so charming and loveable and they feel very distinct. The banter between our empathetic and caring female MC and the charming yet emotionally wrought male MC had me giggling and kicking my feet, and their companions had me laughing and weeping simultaneously.
This novel gave me vibes of beauty and the beast, howl's moving castle, princess mononoke, dare I even mention acotar...?
And yet this book stands solidly on its own two feet.
The themes of religion, grief, and trauma are all beautifully dealt with, and made it easier to read certain tropes and themes that I'm not the biggest fan of e.g. fated mates
It's not a perfect story by any means; I wish certain plot points and elements were expanded upon more as they felt a little convenient - but this doesn't deter my love for this book.
Where The Dark Stands Still has single-handedly brought the joy of reading back to me.
I haven't felt this way about a book in such a long time. Despite its premise reminding me of quite a few other stories I have read (and enjoyed), Poranek succeeds in making it feel new and fresh and unique.
I know that some readers struggle to connect with a culture that isn't their own; constantly Googling words and phrases can be laborious to some. I however absolutely adored learning Polish phrases and customs and feelings the author's clear adoration for her heritage throughout the book.
The cast of characters is so charming and loveable and they feel very distinct. The banter between our empathetic and caring female MC and the charming yet emotionally wrought male MC had me giggling and kicking my feet, and their companions had me laughing and weeping simultaneously.
This novel gave me vibes of beauty and the beast, howl's moving castle, princess mononoke, dare I even mention acotar...?
And yet this book stands solidly on its own two feet.
The themes of religion, grief, and trauma are all beautifully dealt with, and made it easier to read certain tropes and themes that I'm not the biggest fan of
It's not a perfect story by any means; I wish certain plot points and elements were expanded upon more as they felt a little convenient - but this doesn't deter my love for this book.
Where The Dark Stands Still has single-handedly brought the joy of reading back to me.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death